Say what?? Pumpkin hummus? Pumpkin in a savory Yes you read that right!
I love pumpkin, that is something that I am sure you all know by now; but I usually tend to use pumpkin in only sweet recipes.
Not this time. This time I decided to switch it up a bit. I love hummus. I love pumpkin. What a better idea than to combine the two in order to achieve a savory, delectable pumpkin hummus?
I was lucky enough to go to a local elementary school near my university campus with the nutrition club I am in, and teach the little kids how to make this too. How I miss those days. The children were so cute and excited for a demonstration like this. I was surprised at how many kids loved hummus! I allowed them to add the ingredients in one by one after informing them on the health benefits of each, and they were amazed to see it all blend together to form a creamy, orange snack!
I love hummus. Not only because chickpeas make it a protein and fiber packed snack, but it is the perfect dip for anything. Crackers, veggies, pretzels. Or even spread it on bread when making a sandwich! It is a great thing to have in your fridge for when you get the munchies 🙂 And guess what? Making homemade pita bread crackers is so easy and is a great alternative to the ones you buy in a bag. I made mine in under 15 minutes. I call that success.
Enjoy this festive fall food this holiday season!
Pumpkin Benefits:
1) High in Vitamin aid which aids in eyesight
2) High in fiber to keep you satisfied
3) Rich in Beta Carotene with plays a role in cancer prevention and benefit your skin
4) More potassium than a banana (great post workout food!)
5) Rich in Vitamin C to keep you fit and healthy
Chickpea Benefits
1) Great source of protein and fiber ( 1 cup has 10g fiber and 12g protein)
2) Rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc
3) Can improve your circulatory and heart health
4) Fiber aids in a healthy digestive system and lower cholesterol
Garlic Benefits
1) Lowers the risk of Lung and Brain Cancer
2) Serves as more powerful antibiotic than popular ones on the market
3) Reduces Cholesterol
4) May decrease frequency of colds in adults
5) Effectively treats hair loss (used topically)
6) A main ingredient in acne medication, and can be used as a rub as an effective topical treatment
7) Keeps mosquitoes away (can do this with garlic pills or rubbing a garlic concoction on skin
- 1 can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 roasted Garlic Clove
- about 3 tbsp fresh Rosemary (or 2tsp dried)
- juice of half a Lemon
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin + 1 tsp Honey (omit honey if wanting no added sugar)
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper + 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- Sea Salt to taste
- Place chickpeas and olive oil in food processor, and blend until smooth.
- Add all other ingredients, and pulse until thoroughly combined.
- Serve with Homemade crackers below, veggies, or other desired dipper
- 2 whole wheat Pitas
- Olive Oil/ Coconut Oil Spray
- Sea Salt and Pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut Pita into cracker-sized pieces.
- Spray with olive oil (or lightly drizzle).
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Pepper.
- Place into oven for 5 minutes.
- Flip crackers and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Repeat until crackers are slightly browned and crispy.